Toxin-free kitchen

I researched these recommendations to the best of my ability, but ingredients may have changed or there may be something I overlooked. I encourage you to do your own research before making any decisions.

* Signifies an item I have personally used and would recommend.

Note: This page contains affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, I may earn commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support! 

GENERAL INFO 

Helpful resources:

Sites/companies that offer a lot of toxin-free options: 

Safest items to use in the kitchen:

  • Stainless steel 

  • Cast iron 

  • Glass (as long as it’s lead- and cadmium-free) 

  • Ceramics (with lead-free glaze) 

  • Wood and bamboo (with natural, formaldehyde-free coating) 

COOKING AND BAKING 

Pots and pans 

“[The cookware industry] is a minefield... Industry insiders have known about it for years, but still a lot of the public doesn't know how toxic these chemicals are.”

—Excerpt from Solidteknics (You can also find more helpful info from Solidteknics on their FAQs page.)

Avoid cooking with Teflon/nonstick coatings, aluminum, and unlined copper. Instead use:

Stainless steel

400 series is best, but 300 series is good too. (316 has more corrosion resistance than 304.)

Look for 18/8 (18% chromium, 8% nickel) OR 18/10. (Must have at least 16% chromium to be safe.)

Cast iron

*Check out my guide to cooking with cast iron and stainless steel!

Baking dishes

Food processor (can use as a blender too)

Colander

Cutting boards

Stainless steel mixing bowls (18/8)

Slow cooker 

Instant pot 

Cooking utensil set 

Spatulas

Wooden spoons

Cooling racks 

Cake pans 

Bread pans 

Cookie sheets 

Glass measuring cup 

DINING/SERVING

Plates and bowls

  • * Corelle (some paint has toxins, so choose a set with no design on it to ensure it’s toxin-free) 

Wooden bowls, plates, and trays 

Mugs 

Be careful if using glass mugs, as they can shatter with heat!

Helpful article: Which ceramic coffee mugs are lead-free?

Glass pitcher 

CLEANING 

Dishwasher pods 

Rinse aid 

Dish soap 

OTHER 

Ice cube trays

Water bottles

Tip: Get a 32 oz water bottle. Women, shoot to drink 3 a day and you’ll hit your recommended water consumption. Men, shoot for 4! 

Plastic wrap alternative: beeswax wrap

Storage containers

How to freeze glass containers: 

Note: you can buy Mason jars or Pyrex or reuse containers from jelly, sauce, pickles, etc.

  1. Fill the jar up to ¾ full.

  2. If what you’re freezing is warm, wait for it to cool almost entirely. 

  3. To reduce the chance of broken glass, place the jar in the freezer without the lid first. Be sure it's not touching anything (other jars, freezer walls, etc.).

  4. Optional: To prevent freezer burn, pour about a half inch of water over the frozen food. When it's time to thaw, rinse this ice layer off with warm water before thawing.

  5. A couple hours later, once the food is frozen, cover with a lid.